2018 Penas Aladas Gran Reserva
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Tasting notes
A welcome sight after having to skip the 2017 vintage due to frost, the 2018 Penas Aladas Gran Reserva Tinto Fino is, like the Canta La Perdiz, made from Tempranillo co-fermented with Bobal, Albillo, Carinena, Garnacha, and Brunal, in the same sandy limestone soils planted some 100 years ago and surrounded by pine forest. The producer shades the grapes to ensure they don’t overripen, and the tannins show this attention to detail, integrating fully with just a lingering texture of true refinement. Slatey and mineral-driven, this full-bodied wine is aged 51 months in French oak and bursts in dense flavors of black licorice, cardamom, pine, and mixed nuts, with an enticingly salty finish that lasts for days. Keep it in the cellar a bit longer and enjoy best 2028-2038.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
They didn't produce the 2017 vintage of the single-vineyard wine from some of their oldest vines, so after the 2016 they jumped to the 2018 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva. It has a very intense nose of licorice, flowers (decayed violets), wet chalk, spices (nutmeg), some nuts (pecan) and a volatile twist with great freshness. It matured in French oak barrels for 53 months. It has a fine thread, a chalky and dry feeling, fine tannins and a dry and very tasty finish that's almost salty. It has all the components and the balance with them to develop nicely in bottle. It should age effortlessly for 30 years. It's very impressive, but it doesn't reach the elegance of the 2016. 1,729 bottles and 42 magnums produced. It was bottled in March 2023.
The 2018 Peñas Aladas Gran Reserva is 95% Tempranillo with other varieties from La Aguilera, Ribera del Duero. It was aged 53 months in mostly French oak barrels. Intense aromas of plum, blackberry, violet, lavender and a hint of volatile acidity enhance expression. The palate is dry, medium-bodied and flavorful, with blackberry and chalky tannins. Compared to the more delicate 2016, this is a richer, more sun-kissed wine with added volume and energy.